Technology has come a long since the days of CRT monitors and dial-up Internet. Advancements in the last decade have made computing cheaper and more accessible. We’re also enjoying faster Internet speeds than ever before. The proliferation of smartphones means we can access information whenever and wherever we are, which is why it’s annoying when the connection drops and we’re left paralyzed.
The same changes have transformed businesses as well. The Internet has forever altered the retail landscape, and more and more businesses are getting home networking installation services. Brands are building online stores and investing in digital marketing strategies. In-store operations now rely on the Internet for everything from payroll and POS systems to security cameras. And if the connection goes down, business grinds to a halt.
Between communicating with customers and building a brand presence, you need a fast and reliable Internet connection. Here are a few ways to improve your connection:
Establish clear lines of sight from the router
Even if you’re paying for the most expensive Internet plan, poor placement of the wireless router can weaken the connection. Objects between the router and receiver interfere with the signal. Walls and materials such as brick, stone, glass, and metal also play a role in poor signal strength.
If you’re suffering from a poor connection, the first thing you need to do is place the wireless router in a location where a strong signal is required, such as near the checkout counter. If changing the position isn’t an option, you can remove obstructions around the router to establish a clear line of sight.
Alternatively, you can invest in a mesh Wi-Fi system to kill dead zones in even large offices. Mesh routers extend the range of the original wireless router and ensure that there are no gaps in coverage. If configured correctly, you can even extend the connection to the upper floors.
Secure the wireless network
The more people are connected to the network, the slower the connection will be. Eventually, there won’t be enough bandwidth to sustain business operations. To avoid this, you need to secure the wireless network to ensure only authorized personnel can gain access to the connection.
To prevent customers and unauthorized users from using your Internet connection, check your routers’ settings and adjust the network sharing capabilities. You will also need to add a password to lock the network. You need to choose a strong password if you want to keep the network secure. Use a mix of numbers and letters and make sure it’s at least eight characters long. The longer and more complicated the password, the better.
Other network security measures include hiding your network’s SSID (the Wi-Fi name), starting a virtual private network to encrypt sensitive data, and creating a separate network for your customers and vendors.
Embrace wired connections
Wi-Fi has made Internet connectivity so accessible and straightforward, which is excellent for everyone. However, wireless connections can be spotty, and it’s not always reliable. You’re also getting reduced speeds. If you need fast and reliable speeds, then go for a wired connection. The Ethernet cable directly connects the router to your primary device instead of relying on wireless transmissions.
You might want to use an Ethernet connection for primary devices such as computers and POS systems. Other things you can connect with a cable include gaming consoles and televisions. If you display a lot of media, cable connections are the way to go. You’ll still need to maintain a Wi-Fi connection for your mobile devices, however.
Protect against malware
Scan all connected computers and devices for viruses and programs that steal your bandwidth. Malicious software can bombard your network with requests and send spam or phishing emails to other users, reducing your network speed. Depending on the severity of the problem, you could even lose access to your devices.
Some signs you need to look out for include a drop in Internet speed, random pop-up screens, a slower computer, and programs failing to start. To remove malware from your computers, boot into safe mode, and run an antivirus program. If the problem continues to persist, you might need to contact a computer technician.
These are just some things you can do to boost your Internet speed. Removing obstructions around the router helps with signal interference, while a wired connection ensures you get the maximum speed possible. Securing your network by adding a password and removing malware also helps protect against users and programs hogging the bandwidth.